Padres release Freddy Garcia

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres released veteran right-handed pitcher Freddy Garcia on Sunday morning, eliminating one candidate for the No. 5 spot in their starting rotation.

Garcia, who signed a minor league contract with the Padres this offseason, had a difficult spring. He was 1-4 with an 8.71 ERA in six starts, allowing 25 runs and 26 hits in 20 2/3 innings. If he had been added to the 40-man roster, Garcia would have received a one-year deal with $1.3 million, with another $1.25 million in incentives based upon games started.

The 36-year-old was competing with rookie Tyson Ross for the final spot in San Diego's rotation.

Garcia was not in the clubhouse on Sunday. He said several times this spring that he wants to continue his major league career, but that he had no interest in playing in the minors.